Two Russian Rassvet satellites are rapidly losing altitude, adding to propulsion problems as Moscow’s Starlink rival remains short of continuous service

Two satellites in Russia’s Rassvet broadband constellation, Nos. 17 and 23, are reportedly losing altitude after failing to raise their orbits. Satellite No. 17 was at about 245 kilometers and descending roughly 1.7 kilometers per day, according to the report; it could reenter the atmosphere within weeks if its thrusters do not fire.

One satellite from the March launch batch burned up in June. Russia has launched 32 Rassvet satellites in two batches, while most of the spacecraft are climbing toward operational altitudes of about 500 to 540 kilometers. Repeated propulsion problems affecting some satellites are slowing deployment.

Rassvet, developed by Bureau 1440 as a Russian alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink after SpaceX cut off Russian military access in Ukraine, currently provides only brief daily coverage windows rather than continuous service. Commercial operations are now expected in 2027 at the earliest.

Russia’s two 2026 production batches were launched in March and July. The planned constellation is intended to provide broadband connectivity, but reaching commercial service depends on deploying many more satellites.